Musée Lambinet

About the museum

The museum occupies the Hôtel Porchon, built in 1752 for Joseph-Barnabé Porchon, a building contractor for the King under Louis XV. The Lambinet family became its owners in the 19th century. In 1929, Nathalie Lambinet bequeathed the house and its collections on condition that it become a museum.

In 1932 the City of Versailles installed works from the municipal library and opened the museum to the public. It has borne the “Musée de France” designation since 2004. After several years of closure and renovation, it reopened on December 3, 2022.

The route spans three levels. The first floor presents the history of the museum and its major donors. The second floor brings together sculptures, paintings, furniture and decorative arts, along with a reconstructed 18th-century apartment. The third floor traces the history of Versailles from the 17th to the 20th century.

Highlights

• 1752 mansion with a small French-style garden
• Reconstructed 18th-century bourgeois apartment
• Route through the history of the town of Versailles from the 17th to the 20th century
• Paintings, sculptures, drawings and furniture from the Renaissance to the mid-20th century
• Audio guides with two routes

Permanent exhibitions

• Histoire de Versailles du XVIIe au XXe siècle – On the third floor, a route traces the development of the town of Versailles through paintings, objects and documents.
• Appartement du XVIIIe siècle et arts décoratifs – On the second floor, sculptures, paintings, furniture and art objects are displayed around a reconstructed apartment.

Founded

1932

Operated by

Ville de Versailles

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Last Sunday of each month, as well as during events such as Museum Night and European Heritage Days.

Admission is also free for teachers, tour guides, journalists, job seekers, members of the Amis du musée and holders of certain professional or cultural cards (ICOM, carte culture, Maison des artistes). Proof is required for reduced and free rates. Online booking offers only full-price, reduced and free tickets. The Pass Malin has not been accepted since January 2025.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The paved path to the entrance is passable by wheelchair with a companion, but reception is at the top of steps. The floors are served by a lift, and two toilets are accessible. The second-floor auditorium is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Adapted tours are possible on request from the visitor services team.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Workshops for children and family visits during school holidays. Themed birthday parties are held on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. It is advisable to give children’s ages when registering so that a suitable activity can be chosen.

Getting there & parking

The museum is a few steps from the Château de Versailles.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Coat stands are available at reception; the museum is not responsible for items left there. Dogs are not admitted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Small rooms for groups of up to 100 people, enfilade rooms for cocktails or dinners, a 60-seat auditorium and the garden in season. Private tours, seminars and team-building events are possible.

Plan your visit